Where is street racing legal in North America?

Aug, 3 2023

Unraveling the Street Racing Scene

You know, it's funny how sometimes, the craziest ideas can breed the most intense passions. Picture this: It's a cool night, the neon lights of the city reflecting on the slick asphalt, engines roar and the night erupts with life as the traffic light turns green. The sensation of speed, the thrill of the chase, heartbeats pounding in sync with revving engines. Exhilarating, isn't it? But it's not all Fast & Furious glamour - street racing in most places is highly illegal and often life-threatening. So today, I'm about to spill some secrets on where street racing is actually legal in North America. Buckle up, my adventurous comrades, because it may just be the ride of your life!

Street Racing: Not Always What It Seems

Before we get too lost in the adrenaline rush and our imaginations run wild with scenes from our favorite racing movies, it's crucial to clarify what exactly I mean when I talk about 'street racing.' Typically, the term brings to mind illegal midnight drag races, but in the spirit of clear communication and in an effort not to advocate for dangerous activities, my focus is on legal and regulated events taking place on public roads. Now, I can hear you thinking, "Magnus, can't we just call that 'motorsport'?" Well, you're right, smarty pants, but where's the fun without a bit of semantic ambiguity!

Canada: The Great Northern Runway

Okay, here's a plot twist : Canada, known more for its peaceful vistas, cold weather, maple syrup, and all-around politeness, hosts a number of legal street races scattered across the country. The actual title for these events, to satisfy the sticklers among us, would be 'closed-course races,' but the fact remains - they are technically on public roads. These events are usually organized via permits issued by local governments, allowing them to temporarily close select roads for the race. They offer a safe environment where drivers can show off their speed skills without breaking laws or endangering the unassuming city-dweller walking his dog at midnight.

So What's the Catch?

The catch? Well, my friends, while these races are indeed legal, they aren't necessarily what some may envisage when it comes to traditional street racing. They're not spontaneous, and they're certainly not unsupervised. These races are structured events with strict safety measures in place, including necessary insurance, safety gear, and emergency services at the ready. Furthermore, participants undergo strict scrutiny and their vehicles must meet specific standards. Street racing may have gained infamy as a renegade sport, but when it comes to doing it legally, expect to find it a well-regulated activity! So, not quite a scene from "2 Fast 2 Furious," but I'll guarantee it'll get your pulse racing.

United States: Closed-Street Courses

Alright, enough maple syrup - let's cruise south to the highways of America - the United States. A country known for its love of motor vehicles, it comes as no surprise that there are quite a few legal street racing venues available. And by street racing -yes, I'm using the term again!- I mean closed-street courses , such as autocross events or track days at racing circuits.

AutoCross Events and Track Days

AutoCross events are legal alternatives to street racing. A typical AutoCross event occurs in larger parking lots or on closed-airport runways, and drivers compete against the clock, rather than other cars, to navigate a course usually made out of traffic cones. Track days at local race courses also provide a legal venue to race your car. Many of these facilities exist across the U.S., from Laguna Seca in California to the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. So for you U.S. speedsters who prefer burning rubber and pushing your car's limits in a controlled environment, these events are the perfect, legal way to satisfy your need for speed.

The Tale of Magnus vs The Clock

Once, in my younger years, I decided to join an AutoCross event. Boy, was that a day! I was like a kid in a candy store, my blocky red '95 Honda one among a sea of glittering beasts of metal. The smell of gasoline, the sound of rumbling engines, the sheer palpable anticipation! I gingerly set out on my first run, and midway through, as I was gaining confidence, the unexpected occurred - my right front tire hit a cone! Now, normally hitting a cone in the real world isn't a big deal, but in Autocross, it may as well have been a landmine! There was a collective gasp, and then roars of laughter. Well, it was embarrassing, but also part of the rush, and in the end, that's what street racing is all about - finding the joy amidst the chaos!

A Craving for More

Do you find yourself craving more? Don't worry, my pedal-happy comrades, I've just about hit my word limit for today, but there will be more racing wisdom coming your way soon. For now, keep this article tucked under your seat and refer back to it when you feel the itch to go street racing. Remember, we all crave the rush of speed, but it's always best to do it legally and safely. Until next time, and remember, as the legendary Steve McQueen once said, "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting."